Sampler Quilt Block Pattern 2: Arizona Quilt Block
According to the Brackman encyclopedia and other resources, this quilt block is another design that has been called different names over the years, include Robbing Peter to Pay Paul, even though it looks nothing like most of the blocks known by that name. We'll go with another of its designations, Arizona, since the prickly half-square triangle units scattered throughout the design are reminiscent of cactus points.The block above has a somewhat orderly scrap quilt look, but you can make it much scrappier. Arizona is the second block for the Scrap Happy Sampler Quilt.
Finished block size: 12" x 12"
My color and value suggestions offer a visual for construction, change elements to suit you. And keep in mind that you could use the same dark print for all triangles on the block's outer perimeter -- I just wanted to scrap it up a bit.
If you don't like to make Flying Geese, use the alternate assembly option at the bottom of this page.
Cutting instructions assume you will make quick pieced half square triangle units using the easy sandwich method. Before cutting the 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares required for the units, decide if you'd prefer to cut oversize squares instead, and then trim the completed units back to an exact size before sewing them next to their neighbors. I nearly always do that, because I like the enhanced precision. See page 5 of the sandwich tutorial for trim-back instructions.
Medium-light green print:
- for outer corners: (4) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
- for Flying Geese: (4) 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangles
- for half square triangle units that "point" at block corners: (4) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares
Black print with very dark red floral for half square triangle units that "point" at block corners: (4) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares
Black print with light floral for dark tips of Flying Geese units: (8) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
Red and gold print
- for block center, (1) 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" square
- for half square triangle units placed at the corners of/diagonal to block center, (2) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares
Black print with Red Os for half square triangle units placed at the corners of/diagonal to block center: (2) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares
Gold print for rectangles that touch the center square: (4) 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangles
ALTERNATE to Flying Geese Assembly
If you don't like to make Flying Geese units, or you have smaller scraps to use, make (8) half square triangle units instead and then sew them together to look like geese. To use this option, do not cut the 4 green geese rectangles or the 8 squares of black print w/light floral. DO cut (4) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares of each of those fabrics.
For all blocks in the series, see the:
Scrap Happy Sampler Quilt Master Index
